Clinical negligence disputes are "entirely suitable" for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, Lord Justice Jackson has repeated in an attack against sceptics last week.
In its haste to channel disputes through mediation and control the process centrally the government is killing off successful local schemes and jeopardising its own objective, says Jeremy Ferguson
The sound rationale behind the new family dispute arbitration scheme doesn't mean it is a credible alternative to either mediation or litigation, says Miles Geffin
The government's proposals to speed up and reduce the costs of county court litigation involve an overhaul of claims limits and a renewed push towards mediation. The small claims limit would rise from £5,000 to £10,000, and, with the exception of personal injury, the limit for county court claims would rise from £25,000 to £100,000. Lawyers – both claimant and defendant – are unconvinced, albeit for different reasons. We ask both sides for their reactions
Couples going through separation or divorce must make difficult decisions at a stressful time. Therese Nichols explores the options available and how you can help find the best route for them